Best Fish Rulers for Fishing
Having a fish ruler in the boat is like having cheese on a cracker. It is essential to knowing whether you can legally keep the fish and lets face it.. for bragging rights!
Lets go over 4 classic fish rulers that have been on the market a long time and are very inexpensive to buy.
Plus, did you know that, by measuring the length of the fish, you can gauge their approximate weight? So, a fish ruler can be helpful in weighing fish. Bear in mind, though, that those figures are not exact.
Key Features to Consider
If you’re shopping for fish rulers, this doesn’t mean that you should pick the first product that crosses your path. As a matter of fact, there are some options to choose from. And in order to make the right purchase, you should use our guidelines.
- Material
To start with, the material of the fish ruler is one of the most important factors. If it didn’t matter, then you would simply take a standard ruler and that would be it. However, the ruler should be made of a sturdy material that retains its original shape.
Measuring devices made of flexible materials are far from being your most reliable bet. At the same time, you should remember that stick-on rulers are likely to shrink, especially when exposed to the elements. So, if you want a reliable fish ruler that gives you correct measurements time after time, assess the material of the item.
- Size
Moving on, depending on the fish you typically target, you should get a fish ruler whose size allows you to measure them. For example, when it comes to saltwater fishing, you might require a larger ruler – still, this will ultimately depend on your fishing habits. 36″ is a standard fish ruler for the majority of freshwater fisherman.
- Readability
Investing in a fish ruler that is impossible to read doesn’t make any sense. Therefore, you should get one that features clear, readable numbers so that you can measure the fish right away.
- Durability
And lastly, but definitely not least, the fish ruler you invest in should be durable – unless you plan on purchasing another one in a relatively short timeframe. Evidently, an item’s durability has a lot to do with its manufacturing material. That is to say, a sturdy ruler will be your most dependable tool for measuring fish, not to mention that you’ll get a lot of use out of it.
Our Recommendations
Pros
- Aluminum construction
- It is durable
- It is easy to read
- You can mount it to your boat/kayak
Cons
- It will get hot in the sun
- Only measures up to 22 inches.
- The ruler features a sticker that is a drag to remove
Our list of recommendations starts with the Berkley Aluminum Fish Ruler. This is a high-quality, durable item that might be your next go-to ruler for your fishing adventures.
Being made of sturdy aluminum, you won’t have to worry that it will change its shape or anything of the kind. We wouldn’t expect anything less of Berkley, one of the top producers of fishing gear.
Plus, it’s not a secret that aluminum is one of the most durable materials. Even if you drop it or step on it, it will heroically withstand that. At the same time, we found that it is quite easy to read – when we took it on several fishing trips.
Another great feature is that you can mount it to your boat or kayak – depending on the type of fishing you regularly engage in. As for its length, it measures fish up to 22 inches.
Due to the aluminum construction, the fish ruler is prone to get heated in the sun. Our advice to you would be to dip it in water before measuring the fish – so that you don’t harm it in any way.
Pros
- 36-inch long
- Aggressive adhesive
- It is great for all types of boats
- UV-protected, over-laminated vinyl
Cons
- It isn’t the most durable option
If you’re looking for a fish ruler that allows you to measure larger fish, this 36-inch ruler might be down your alley. This is an adhesive measuring tape actually, which is specifically designated for kayaks, boats or coolers. As long as there’s a smooth surface to attach it on, you’ll be on the right path.
You also get an additional alcohol wipe to clean the surface where you plan on installing the tape, so that it stays put.
Due to the aggressive adhesive featuring the back of the tape, you can know for sure that the ruler will remain in place.
The item is made of UV protected and over-laminated vinyl. This makes it resistant to the outdoor elements. At the same time, this means that it won’t fade as a result of sunlight exposure.
Pros 
- Affordable ($2.99)
- Cheapest Ruler Sticker
- 36-inch long
- Good adhesive
- It is easy to read
Cons
- In time, the numbers are likely to fade out
- If you don’t prep the surface accordingly, it won’t stay in place
Moving on, this is another adhesive fish ruler that does a decent job of measuring fish. Even though adhesive rulers aren’t as durable as aluminum ones, if you clean the surface where you want to attach it, it is likely to last for a while.
For example, it stuck well on our aluminum boat. Bear in mind, though, that you should allow the surface to dry after washing it. At the same time, the surface should be smooth. Otherwise, your attempt might fail.
Moving on, the numbers will fade out, eventually. Even so, if we were to assess the affordability of the ruler, we could say that this is to be expected.
Pros
- It includes useful information regarding fish species and regulations
- It is appropriate for saltwater fishing
- UV-protected vinyl material
- Less than $10
Cons
- In time, its durability could be impaired
We all know that saltwater fishing has its own specifications. And this applies when you’re on the lookout for the best fish ruler, as well. Measuring 36 inches in length and 3 inches in height, this will easily stick to your boat, cooler, fish bag or fish box – depending on where you want it.
The built-in ruler is quite helpful, as it also informs you of the fish regulations in Florida and the Gulf Coasts.
Concurrently, it features all the necessary information, while being easy to read. It has pictures of 37 distinct game and reef fish, which are definitely informative and useful.
It is made of high-quality, 3.2 mil cast vinyl decal. Since it has a UV protective laminated coating, this improves the durability and resistance of the item.
Pros
- It folds neatly – it can fit in small places
- It includes practical information regarding fishing regulations
- Great size
Cons
- Durability could be a concern
This is another great product if you’re into saltwater fishing. At the same time, it features specific information concerning the regulations in Florida. It goes without saying that this can turn out to be really helpful – especially if you usually fish in the region.
Essentially, it eliminates the need to carry separate regulation sheets or browse the Internet for information on the topic. The primary downside of this ruler is that it isn’t the sturdiest one out there – that is to say, if you place too much weight on it, it is likely to bend.
Moving on, since the ruler includes info on the regulations, you should note that the lettering is quite small, as well. This makes sense, though, considering that this is a two-in-one product. However, it might be problematic for some people.
Also, design wise, you should know that the ruler folds to one foot so that you can carry it easily. Plus, it extends to three feet.
Final Thoughts
To conclude, a fish ruler is a must-have for every eager fisherman. It is a unit of utmost importance, as it allows you to respect the regulations regarding fishing. At the same time, it can help you monitor your results – which is always rewarding.